MLS Cup: Costly says pressure is on the Galaxy

Practice had a calm, almost stoic feel to it for the Houston Dynamo Friday on the fields near the main Home Depot Center stadium.

So said forward Carlos Costly, who added that he's anxious for Sunday when the Dynamo face the L.A. Galaxy for the MLS Cup.

"There is faith in the team because we know the ability of each other and we're anxious to get this big game going and hope to do everything well," Costly said in Spanish.

Costly's attitude seems to be indicative of his team's approach to the big game. Business-like, with almost nothing to lose since the prevailing attitude is that the Galaxy will win.

"The pressure really is on them," Costly said of the Galaxy. "They have the big stars, they're a big-name club. The pressure is on them, not on us."

Such words might be part of why Costly is a hit with his teammates, even if he's seen his role change, perhaps due to lack of production on offense (one regular season goal in 11 games).

"He's been great in the locker room," Dynamo coach Dominic Kinnear said. "He's been very good for us on and off the field. I think he's enjoyed his time here. Obviously everyone wants to play but his attitude has been excellent."

Costly said whether he starts or comes off the bench, he'll accept whatever Kinnear thinks is best. The big Honduran striker has gone from frequent starter during the regular season to coming off the bench during the playoffs but has a goal in the postseason.

"It's a big opportunity for me, to be a champion here (with the Dynamo)," Costly said.

Should Costly, a force for Honduras' national team, find the back of the net Sunday, he said he'll dedicate his goal to God, his family that came to see him and to all the fans in Houston.

"We know the Galaxy is a great team and we respect them, but when it's 11-on-11, we can show them what we have done," Costly said.